Maho is a unique and beautiful female given name of Japanese origin. It is composed of two Kanji characters: "麻" which means "hemp", and "帆" which means "sail". Together, they form the name Maho, with the character "麻" representing the first syllable "Ma" and "帆" representing the second syllable "Ho".
The name Maho is often interpreted to mean "bountiful sail" or "abundant sail". This meaning is associated with the idea of a large ship carrying many people safely across vast oceans, symbolizing strength, abundance, and protection. The name Maho is also sometimes associated with the concept of "maho-shu", which refers to the art of making paper from mulberry trees, adding another layer of cultural significance to the name.
Historically, the name Maho has been used in Japan for centuries but gained popularity during the Edo period (1603-1868) when it was often given to daughters born into samurai families. Today, Maho remains a popular choice among Japanese parents, particularly those who wish to bestow their daughter with a name that carries a rich cultural heritage and positive connotations.
In recent years, the name Maho has also begun to gain recognition outside of Japan, thanks in part to its unique sound and beautiful meaning. As more people become interested in learning about different cultures and languages, the appeal of names like Maho continues to grow. Ultimately, whether you are of Japanese descent or simply drawn to the beauty and symbolism of this name, Maho is a wonderful choice for a daughter that carries with it a deep sense of history and meaning.
According to the data provided, the name Maho has been consistently popular in the United States over a span of sixteen years, with five babies being named Maho each year from 1998 to 2014. This indicates that while not extremely common, the name Maho has maintained a steady presence among baby names during this period. In total, there have been fifteen births for girls named Maho in the United States over these sixteen years.